Announcements

2012 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award

Chico Man Receives Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Award

(Austin) - Roger Reno of Chico was presented the Governor's 2012 Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of his dedication to helping offenders incarcerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The award was presented by Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Oliver Bell, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston today during a ceremony held in Austin. Reno is one of 13 individuals and 6 organizations from across the state recognized for their efforts to help offenders and those who are on parole or probation.

"Each of this year's award recipients personify a selfless dedication to helping offenders succeed both while incarcerated, and once they're released," said Livingston.

Reno was the recipient of the "Extensive Travel Award".

Roger Reno is the head of Unchained Ministries, a biker ministry team that preaches, teaches and speaks to offenders in prison all over the state of Texas. He is dedicated to traveling extensively if that is what it takes to spread the testimony of how God changed his life. It is common for Roger and his ministry team to be on the road three weeks out of the month bringing an inspirational word to the men and women incarcerated within the TDCJ.

Reno and his wife, Darla, have three children and nine grandchildren.

Reno is one of thousands of concerned volunteers, who like him; donate many hours of their personal time every year with the goal of changing the lives of convicted offenders, and aiding and comforting their victims. Annually, approximately 18,000 volunteers make 163,000 visits to criminal justice facilities and work with offenders who are on supervision, donating over 526,000 hours of service.

Note to media: For more information, contact Jason Clark, TDCJ Public Information Officer, at 936-437-6052 or by e-mail at jason.clark@tdcj.texas.gov.